Researchers have developed a hybrid compound that prevents metronidazole and similar antibiotics from being absorbed by the body before reaching the location of infection, thus avoiding the toxicity associated with higher doses of metronidazole. These hybrid compounds are not only effective in treating C. diff but other bacterial and parasitic infections such as Clostridium perfringen and Helicobacter pylori, and potentially Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases. This technology is being actively marketed by the co-owner, the University of Texas, Arlington.